BEST PRACTICES GUIDE for Virtual Volunteers What’s Inside This Guide

Introduction ...... 3

Getting Started ...... 4

The Benefits of Virtual During COVID-19 ...... 5

5 Myths and 5 Facts About Virtual Volunteering ...... 7

Best Practices for Virtual Volunteers ...... 8

5 Steps to Being a Great Virtual Volunteer ...... 10

Additional Best Practices When Working With Older Adults ...... 13

Ideas to Spark Your Creativity and Personalize Volunteering ...... 14

6 Final Tips for Virtual Volunteering Success ...... 16

Recommended Resources ...... 18 Introduction

In years past, being a volunteer typically meant Due to the coronavirus pandemic and stay- you had to go somewhere – places like community at-home orders, physical distancing is now centers and schools, soup kitchens and women’s common, and the number of people working shelters, or hospitals and retirement homes – in from home in the U.S. has doubled, order to help out those in need. Stanford University research shows. Likewise, more Americans are volunteering from home Today, however, you can volunteer for various too. causes and organizations right from the comfort and convenience of your own home. The COVID-19 outbreak has disproportionately impacted people over age 50, communities of color, and those with pre-existing By serving as a “virtual medical conditions. volunteer,” you offer your As a result, direct face-to-face outreach to time, talents and expertise these individuals and others has been drastically curtailed during the pandemic. remotely or online. But physical distancing doesn’t have to lead to social isolation. The need for virtual volunteers has never been greater. The world of virtual volunteering offers exciting possibilities, for volunteers as well as the people and organizations they support.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 3 Getting Started

So how can you get started as a virtual volunteer and what kind of WHAT’S IN A NAME? volunteering options exist? Virtual volunteers are called different names by different organizations. This AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers will provide Besides “virtual volunteers,” people you with everything you need to know who perform volunteer service from to not just become an amazing virtual home are also referred to as digital volunteer – but also find a breadth of volunteers,cyber-volunteers, meaningful remote volunteering opportunities that align with your remote volunteers, online volunteers, interests or skills. micro-volunteers and even e-volunteers. Within this online resource, you’ll also learn specific ways virtual volunteers can Regardless of the name used, virtual help older adults during this critical time, volunteers contribute to society’s when the pandemic limits traditional, in- good and make an impact. person volunteer opportunities.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 4 The Benefits of Virtual Volunteering During COVID-19

As mentioned, older adults are especially vulnerable to coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease that it causes.

Since elderly individuals, who may have pre-existing conditions, are at high risk during this public health crisis, special care must be taken to safeguard their health and well-being.

But being socially isolated from others poses its own mental and physical health hazards, such as depression, severe loneliness and even increased risk of stroke, dementia or death.

Virtual volunteers can play a key role in staving off these problems by actively engaging with or supporting older adults during COVID-19.

As a remote volunteer, the benefits of your activities aren’t limited to those you help.

You benefit greatly as well by tapping into your talents in the current environment.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 5 KEY BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING VS. TRADITIONAL VOLUNTEERING • No geographic boundaries – so you can help out locally, nationally or globally • No travel needed • No physical requirements • No strict time commitments • No in-person appearance required

IS VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING RIGHT FOR YOU? Do you have a heart to help others, but it’s tough to find the time in your busy schedule?

Do you possess skills that could benefit a non-profit, but you don’t know where to start?

Do you have an interest in volunteering based on your own passions or experiences?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could make a great virtual volunteer!

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 6 5 Myths and 5 Facts About Virtual Volunteering

Before we tackle how to become a virtual volunteer, MYTH #4: It’s not as rewarding for let’s dispel some myths and misconceptions people volunteers. sometimes have about digital volunteering. FACT #4: Most virtual volunteers say their work is enormously gratifying. Some volunteers even feel Don’t let the following 5 myths prevent you from volunteering from home is even more rewarding using your time, energy and skills as a virtual because they’re able to fit it into their schedules volunteer. more frequently, without the hassle of travel.

MYTH #1: It’s not “really” volunteering. MYTH #5: It requires lots of FACT #1: Volunteering your time and skills as a technical skills. virtual volunteer is just as valuable and equally FACT #5: You don’t have to be a whiz at needed as any volunteer work you may perform technology to make a meaningful contribution in person. If one of the goals of volunteering is to as a virtual volunteer. Even if you need to utilize make an impact, it’s nice to know you can do so certain technology or apps, they’re likely to be from anywhere, whenever you can. common tools you already use, or can easily learn.

MYTH #2: It’s too impersonal. Bottom line: Virtual volunteering gets real-world FACT #2: Virtual volunteering can be as engaging results. No matter the cause or organization as you make it. If it’s important for you to connect you’re supporting, the work of a virtual volunteer with people one-to-one, or in groups, you can is rewarding, engaging and impactful. Charities choose specific volunteer activities (like and non-profits need volunteers more than ever phone calls, texting or video chatting) that these days. create strong personal connections with others.

MYTH #3: It’s a temporary fad By stepping up as during COVID-19. FACT #3: Virtual volunteering has been a virtual volunteer, around, in various forms, for decades. Using the to volunteer emerged in the you’re making the mid-1990s, and experts say virtual volunteer- ing and performing volunteer work from home world a better place! is here to stay.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 7 Best Practices for Virtual Volunteers

Our world currently looks a lot different than it Virtual volunteering did just a year ago. One of the realities of the coronavirus pandemic is that many types of involves re-thinking and in-person volunteering aren’t possible right now. getting more creative

But even with stay-at-home orders and about how we keep physical distancing requirements, the good news is that virtual volunteering still offers a making a difference in way to help others from a distance – the lives of vulnerable especially older adults. people who are age 50 Although you won’t put boots on the ground in the same way you may have volunteered and above. before, volunteering from home can open up possibilities you may not have considered.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 8 For instance, remote volunteering offers the chance to volunteer whenever you have time, without the pressure of a strict schedule or going to a specific site. Additionally, individuals who are housebound – perhaps due to caregiving responsibilities, a lack of transportation, or physical challenges – can be active virtual volunteers. It’s also worth noting that you can perform meaningful volunteer work in your pajamas, right from your sofa, armchair or even your bed!

There are thousands of organizations nationwide, including AARP Foundation, that need virtual volunteers in this moment.

In fact, volunteers are the lifeblood of our efforts and can help us and the world in countless ways.

Here’s just a brief sampling of a half-dozen activities that a virtual volunteer can do to help older adults and to give back to the larger community:

• Raise awareness about the issues facing veterans and military members • Help parents and teens in crisis who call a family helpline • Fight digital fraud and financial scams against the elderly

• Teach a virtual class on a topic of your choice (music, travel, history, health, science, etc.) • Write letters to health care workers • Give career advice to high school students online

Beyond these activities, virtual volunteers of all backgrounds can utilize their unique skills in a host of areas, ranging from and marketing to providing legal aid or tax help.

To maximize your time and abilities, here’s what you need to know about becoming the best virtual volunteer you can be.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 9 5 Steps to Being a Great Virtual Volunteer

There are countless charities, non-profits and Ideally, if you can identify the single most other organizations all hungry for volunteers. relevant subject, topic or cause that lights a fire under you, that’s a good indication that With so many volunteering possibilities, how do you’d be a great volunteer in that general arena. you begin? STEP 2. Choose Your Ideal Time Whether you are volunteering with AARP Commitment Foundation or elsewhere, you’ll enrich your When it comes to virtual volunteering, it’s volunteer experience by having a strategy that important to realistically consider the amount of lets you optimize all that you have to offer. time you will be able to devote to volunteering.

• Will you be a “frequent” volunteer Use the following 5 steps to become a great (volunteering every week or maybe even virtual volunteer. daily)? STEP 1. Pick Your Top Area(s) of • Will you be a “regular” volunteer Interest (volunteering on a fairly routine or Most of us have various things that grab our consistent schedule, about two to four attention. Maybe you enjoy painting or music. times a month)? Perhaps you’re a history buff or you’re into • Will you be an “occasional” volunteer archeology. Or maybe you feel strongly about (volunteering on an irregular basis, being an advocate for social justice or racial whenever you want)? equity. Thinking through these questions and answering Whatever the case, when selecting a volunteer them honestly is vital because your answers pursuit, narrow your focus to the top 1 or 2 things may influence the method in which you opt about which you are most passionate and have to volunteer, as well as the organizations or the most interest. causes to which you will devote your efforts.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 10 Step 3. Decide on Your Virtual Since these areas may have some overlap, Volunteer Method consider the following questions as guides: As a virtual volunteer, it may be helpful to think • Ask yourself what your personal goal is about your volunteer work as falling into or what you hope to accomplish by three buckets or method : s volunteering. • cause-oriented volunteering – involves • Do you want to learn something new? committing yourself to a specific cause, • Do you want to keep yourself busy? mission or organization. Cause-oriented • Do you want to make social connections? volunteering is often best for “frequent” volunteers, but it may be appropriate for “regular” volunteers as well. Of course you want • skills-based volunteering – involves us- ing a specific skillset you have at a given to help and make organization or even multiple organiza- tions. Skills-based volunteering is typical- an impact. But what ly best for “regular” volunteers; however, it is viable for “frequent” volunteers too. do you hope to get • micro-volunteering – involves volun- teering to perform various tasks for brief out of the volunteer periods, lasting 5 to 30 minutes. Micro- volunteering is best for “occasional” vol- experience for unteers desiring maximum flexibility and yourself? minimum time commitments.

IS MICRO-VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR FUTURE? People of all ages enjoy micro-volunteering for a host of reasons. • You can do micro-volunteering anytime and anywhere. • You may not need to possess any special skills. • You typically need not go through any time-consuming volunteer training program. • You don’t have to make a precise time commitment. • You have a nearly unlimited number of actions you could do or try out at your leisure. • You can help a cause or organization even if you can’t commit to ongoing volunteering. • You can serve as a micro-volunteer for local or far-flung organizations.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 11 Step 4: Find the Best Opportunity in Step 5: Make Sure You Have the the Organization of Your Choice Right Tools Even as an AARP or AARP Foundation volunteer, You generally need not be overly concerned you have a wide range of possibilities for virtual with getting a ton of high-tech equipment just volunteering. So your next task is to hone in on to do virtual volunteer work. where you can best apply your volunteer efforts, based on your interests, your time availability But once you know what functions you’ll be and your skills. performing, you do need to make sure you’re all set up to fulfill your volunteer duties. AARP can help you easily locate various volun- teer projects, campaigns and cause-based initia- Common tools virtual volunteers use include: tives, including those you can do virtually. Just go online to https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/ and search for “virtual” volunteering, or visit • Laptop or Desktop Computer https://createthegood.aarp.org/ and filter for • Tablet “home/remote opportunities.” • (iPhone or Android) • Video Conferencing Software (Zoom, Outside of AARP, the following organizations can Skype, GoogleMeet, GotoMeeting, help match you with volunteer experiences too: Webex, etc.) • All For Good • Video Calling Apps (Facebook Messenger, • Idealist.org WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Duo, etc.) • Points of Light Foundation • Internet Connection • VolunteerMatch • Web Camera • Headset And these groups below will help you specifically if you’re an older adult or are looking to volunteer Again, don’t worry about technology being a in ways that assist elderly Americans. barrier. Many organizations, including AARP • Senior Corps Foundation, will guide you through anything you need to know to successfully volunteer. • Foster Grandparents • https://www.telehealthforseniors.org/

Finally, if you want to make a difference as it pertains to racial equality, or to work on racial justice issues for people of all ages and generations, you can seek out opportunities with:

• Color of Change • Black Lives Matter • Showing Up for Racial Justice

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 12 Additional Best Practices When Working With Older Adults

As an AARP Foundation volunteer, or even a prospective volunteer, you’ve already demonstrated an affinity for helping older adults.

But if you’re directly engaging with those who are 50 and above, you can improve the quality of your interaction with them by preparing for three main obstacles.

The non-profit group Generations on Line says access, skill, and intimidation all hinder older adults from achieving digital literacy and more fully engaging in a host of activities.

So here’s what you can do as a virtual volunteer to mitigate each of those challenges and overcomes these obstacles.

Access is about making sure that the older people you’re trying to help have the same technology or tools that you do in order to facilitate connection. That could mean a good wifi connection or video conferencing if you want to create a more personal and visual face-to-face experience.

To address skills deficiencies, be sure to explain technical concepts in layman’s terms. Go slowly, exercise patience and take things step by step.

To deal with the intimidation factor, let an older adult know that you’re there for them, and that you’ll be working through any issues together. Simply being patient and supportive goes a long way.

It may help to also pre-install applications on devices when possible, or use screen shots as instructional aids.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 13 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity and Personalize Volunteering

Here are some ideas to jumpstart your thinking and get you considering all the creative ways you can engage in virtual volunteering. Note that some of these activities are decidedly low-tech and don’t require anything other than a telephone.

Call Someone in Need Most people welcome getting a good old-fashioned phone call from a friendly voice. You can call neighbors or elderly friends, people who are disabled or suffering an illness, or those who are house-bound. A phone call to check in on them would surely be appreciated during COVID-19. You can ask if they’re doing OK, if they need anything, or just see if they'd like to chat.

Buy Groceries or Have Them Delivered Food insecurity affects a large segment of older Americans. You may be able to send food to someone in need or help them locate a local food bank or pantry that can provide free food.

Arrange a Personal Service Some older people can’t do certain routine functions or things they used to be able to do, whether that’s walking the dog or mowing the lawn. If you connect one-to-one with an older person, find out if they need any such service and then see if you can arrange to get it done.

• Create “get well” cards for those with COVID-19, then deliver the cards virtually • Conduct a virtual reading program or story time with someone home-bound • Set up a virtual music class for someone who loves music • Schedule a virtual exercise session for a person who is able and wants to get moving indoors

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 14 WANT TO MAKE VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING EVEN MORE PERSONAL? TRY THESE IDEAS: • Write (thank you notes, personal letters and more) • Call (texting is fine, but voice adds a more human element) • Use video to connect (don’t forget to smile!) • Teach anything you know • Mentor others • Share your story  Non-profits and advocacy campaigns love having a real-life person to highlight an issue. Have you survived cancer, endured the loss of a loved one, or overcome a major life setback? Your personal story may inspire others or help someone else struggling with the same issue – whatever that issue might be. Your tale might also encourage potential donors to make a contribution to a worthy cause or organization.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 15 6 Final Tips for Virtual Volunteering Success

No matter where you volunteer, or what you do to make an impact, keep these final tips in mind to enhance your volunteer work and make the experience a positive one for all involved.

By acting on the following 6 tips, you’ll be a successful and happy virtual volunteer.

TIP #1: Stay in your (enthusiasm) lane. Volunteer for tasks or activities that you love to do and are enthusiastic about. A positive attitude and passion are important, and when you love what you do, this will automatically come out when you carry out your volunteer work.

TIP #2: Be reliable. Honor your commitments because people are depending on you. And since most charities and non-profits are under-staffed, every bit of help really does make a difference.

TIP #3: Know the overall mission. Always understand and learn about the organization you are volunteering with. Having a true appreciation and understanding of an organization’s mission can help you better align your activities with what matters most.

TIP #4: Be open to learning. Strive to keep learning about the organization, the people you’re volunteering with, and the people you’re helping to serve. By keeping an open mind and listening to everyone’s needs (instead of assuming what they need), you’ll be a more effective, compassionate volunteer.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 16 TIP #5: Track your time. Even if you’re only volunteering 15 or 30 minutes a month (or less), all of your volunteer time matters. Sometimes, people are surprised at how much they can accomplish in relatively short periods of volunteerism. In any case, it’s gratifying to see how much your volunteer work adds up over time.

To document your progress and contributions, keep a written log of your work, tracking your hours. If you’re doing micro-volunteering, track by 15-minute intervals.

TIP #6: Don’t volunteer to excess. Know your limits and don’t tax yourself unnecessarily with an excessive amount of volunteer hours or with activities that are too draining for your personal temperament.

Volunteering is supposed to be inspiring and make you feel good. It is not supposed to make you feel stressed out or completely exhausted.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 17 AARP & AARP Foundation Volunteer Programs and Resources

To learn about opportunities in your community and sign up to volunteer, please visit us at: aarp.org/giving-back/

Create the Good: Find ways to be of help directly in your community, whether you have 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days to give.

Driver Safety: Help others get on the road to safety as an AARP Driver Safety instructor or coordinator.

AARP In Your State: There are a variety of volunteer opportunities in AARP state offices. Share your interests and we'll help you explore options.

Tax Aide: Help low-income taxpayers file their tax returns and assist them in getting the credits and deductions that they’ve earned.

Experience Corps: Learn how you can put your time, knowledge and talent to use tutor- ing and mentoring young people.

Property Tax-Aide: Help low-income older adults find tax refund and credit programs.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 18 More Resources to Consider

The Last Virtual Volunteering Guidebook by Jayne Cravens

Be My Eyes Be My Eyes is a free mobile app with one main goal: to make the world more accessible for blind and low-vision people. The app connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers from all over the world through a live video call.

Catchafire Catchafire’s website matches professionals with non-profits based on their skills, cause interest and time availability. They help people locate numerous skills-based volunteering opportunities, including virtual volunteer roles.

Family Eldercare This organization offers Lifetime Connections Without Walls, a telephone activities program that provides opportunities for older adults to connect with others. The service promotes social interaction, educational sessions, support groups, and friendly conversations, all from the comfort of home. Volunteers only need a computer, internet connection, and phone.

The SCORE network These retired small business mentors, which traditionally offered volunteer coaching during in-person sessions, now provide virtual mentoring to entrepreneurs and owners of start-up businesses, so volunteers can still contribute from home.

AARP Foundation Best Practices Guide for Virtual Volunteers 19